With the door finally closing on fall sports at NHS, the Rockets had their fair share of exciting moments. From The Rockets football team’s dominant 21-10 win over rival school Appleton North, to girls’ tennis claiming its 10th consecutive conference title, the season was memorable for both students and athletes alike.

The Fox Valley Association is a conference that consistently produces sectional and state champions. As part of the FVA, Neenah claimed three conference championships and saw multiple sports make postseason runs. 

Boys’ Cross Country

The boys’ cross country team finished first in the conference and finished runners-up at the sectional meet, losing to eventual state champions, Stevens Point. Neenah competed at the state meet as a team, finishing 10th overall. Three runners were named first team all conference and three second team all conference. Coach John Morgan was named coach of the year, via the FVA.

“We did more off-season training than any other team in the Rockets history,” senior Drew Gentile said looking back on the season.

Girls’ Cross Country

The girls’ cross country team earned second in the FVA conference meet and finished 11th at the state meet. The team saw three runners named first team all conference and one runner second team all conference.  

“The team as a whole pulled together. We competed really well,” senior Elisa Hein said.

Football

The football team finished the season with an overall record of 9-2, advancing to the second round of the playoffs, losing to eventual state champions, Kimberly. The team had four players named first team all conference, seven players named second team all conference and six players receiving honorable mention per the FVA. Head coach Steve Jung was named FVA coach of the year.

“Seeing everyone doubt us at the start of the year.  Then realizing we were good, and they had to look out for us. It was fun being part of such a team that made a great run,” sophomore Luke Jung recalled.

Girls’ Golf

The girls’ golf team finished the season with a record of 8-1, which earned them a spot in the sectional meet and second place in conference. The team placed third overall at the conference meet with two players earning second team all conference and one player being named an honorable mention, per the FVA website. 

“The seniors on the team set good examples for the underclassmen and set them up for success in the future,” senior Amber Miller said.

Boys’ Soccer

Boys’ soccer finished second in the conference and advanced to the second round of the playoffs, finishing with an overall record of 14-5-3. The team had three players named first team all conference, two second team all conference and one honorable mention listed on the FVA website. 

“Last year, the season didn’t go very well. This year though, we stepped up and only lost one game in conference,” senior Sawyer Hopfensperger said when looking back on the season.

Girls’ Swim and Dive

The girls’ swim and dive team finished 5-1, earning second place in the conference. Individually six athletes represented the Rockets at state, placing 28 overall. The team had five athletes named first team all conference, four named second team all conference, and four honorable mentions, according to the FVA website. 

“Our swim team has gotten pretty consistently first or second place. Our duels we’ve been doing really well in our big meets. In all been a great season for our varsity and JV swimmers,” senior Elaina Plankey said reflecting on her season.

Girls’ Tennis

The girls’ tennis team claimed its 10th consecutive conference title and made it to the sectional finals, finishing with a 8-0 record in conference. Three players were named first team all conference, three named second team all conference and one player earned honorable mentions via the FVA website.

“There’s a lot of new people that will be coming on next year that will be good additions to the team. I think we will get back to where we were over the next two years,” sophomore Meredith Werner said.

Boys’ Volleyball

The boys’ volleyball team finished the season with a record of 3-4, losing in the second round of playoffs. The team defeated Appleton East claiming their first playoff victory in 20 years. One player was named first team all conference and three players earned honorable mention. 

“It was great winning a playoff game, especially knowing that it has been such a long time since the team has won a playoff game,” sophomore Miles Weaver said.

Girls’ Volleyball

Girls’ volleyball finished the season with a 5-4 record in conference and a 12-31 record overall, advancing to the second round of playoffs where they fell to nationally ranked Oconomowoc. The team saw two girls named honorable mentions per the FVA website. 

“We were able to fight through adversity and overcome challenges when we were seen as the underdog, but overall we played really well,” sophomore Julia Gross said.

The great successes produced by the fall sports teams provided excitement and optimism to the upcoming winter sports.